Epilepsy: Charity reaches out with support for newly diagnosed

A HEALTH charity is reaching out to those newly diagnosed with a brain condition as part of National Epilepsy Week.

Bosses at Epliepsy Action said they wanted to focus on the impact a diagnosis can have on the patient, and their family.

New figures show 87 people are diagnosed with epilepsy every day in the UK, with one in every 100 people living with the condition.

The organisation has set up a free helpline for those who have recently been told they have epilepsy. They can also provide a diagnosis resource pack, and will be hosting a series of online web chats.

Nicole Crosby-McKenna, campaigns manager at Epilepsy Action, said: “Being diagnosed with epilepsy can be a real shock. It’s not unusual for someone to tell us that they never suspected they might have epilepsy because they didn’t know that what was happening was actually a seizure.

“Unfortunately, following diagnosis, it can take time to get a person’s medication right, so that it controls their seizures without too many side-effects.

“This can also cause stress to the person. Their memory, or mood, might be affected and they might be extremely tired. “ Epilepsy is a long-term health condition which, Nicole said, can cause sufferers to worry about how it will affect their lives, including their education, career, and everyday activities.

She said: “That’s why we are reaching out to people newly diagnosed with epilepsy.

“We want to let them know that they’re not alone. There are 600,000 other people living with epilepsy, and Epilepsy Action has many ways to offer people, and their families, support and advice.”